High-resolution CT investigation of nonchromaffin paragangliomas of the temporal bone

Twenty-six cases of surgically verified nonchromaffin paragangliomas (NCPs) of the temporal bone were investigated by contrast-enhanced, thin-section, multiplanar high-resolution computed tomography (CT). Based on the high-resolution CT findings the tumors were classified according to a recently introduced surgical classification of NCP into four main types (A, B, C1-C3, and D1-D3). With high-resolution CT tumors were correctly classified in all cases, as was shown with intraoperative correlation. On the basis of these findings, high-resolution CT should replace conventional tomography and should be regarded as complementary to selective angiography in the preoperative evaluation of NCP.